A functioning international economy is a prerequisite for continued
economic and social advancement. Still, such an economy may or
may not be at its efficient or 'optimal' levels of operation. A mere functioning economy is one of several conditions necessary for a sustainable economy and sustainable development (SD); such a functioning
economy cannot lead to a sufficiency requirement for SD. A constellation of economic institutions and operations which are oriented
toward these goals at the global, regional, national and local levels are
necessary in order to put SD in place. International trade and finance
are the two foremost significant aspects of the international economic
linkages. Whether or not deeper economic integration is important for
the international economy is not the main issue. Rather, it should be
seen as a derivative of the objective of global welfare maximization:
enhancement of the wealth and welfare of the current and future generations. The role of trade in this context remains important. In order
that trade remains sustainable, the imperatives of sustainable development must be incorporated for sustainable trade regimes and policies.
This holds well in the context of the popular attempts toward trade
liberalization. The congruity as well as conflict in free trade and environmental protection need to be elucidated. This book focuses on
these issues within the context of the role and activities of the new
global apex trade body, the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The long history and tradition of inter-regional trade is abound
with multiple and varied experiences during the past few thousand

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